Luminaries: A Conversation on Rural Communities with Chris Estes of the Aspen Institute
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About
Join us for a dynamic conversation with Chris Estes, Co-Executive Director of the Aspen Institute’s Community Strategies Group, as we explore challenges and solutions shaping the future of rural communities.
The Aspen Institute is one of the most respected national institutions working at the intersection of leadership, policy, and community change. Through its Community Strategies Group, Aspen supports local leaders, funders, and organizations working to strengthen rural regions across the country. Chris brings decades of experience in housing and community development.
We'll explore:
- Why housing has become such a complex challenge in rural regions.
- What kinds of solutions are showing promise and what it takes to scale them.
- Lessons from Aspen’s work with Rural Development Hubs—local organizations and coalitions rethinking traditional development models and pursuing new ways to invest in the long-term strength of their communities.
- Other trends shaping rural development today, such as how outdoor recreation is being used as a tool for economic growth, and what the transition away from coal and fossil fuels means for places historically tied to energy production.
Chris Estes is Co-Executive Director of the Aspen Institute Community Strategies Group. He’s a national rural development leader focused on transformative and holistic approaches that address disparities and strengthen rural communities. Chris has strong policy expertise and practice experience at the community, state, and federal levels on poverty, housing, disaster and community development. He has co-led the creation of CSG’s reports on Natural Disaster, Outdoor Recreation, Funding Approaches, Rural Health & Development and Local Wealth Creation as well as numerous case studies all featuring the voices and wisdom of rural development practitioners. In his free time he is on his bike or in the woods, hiking or mountain biking, or in the mountains doing all of those things.
About Luminaries
Luminaries is a dynamic call series designed exclusively for IPA members to connect with leading minds and influencers shaping philanthropy and public life. This unique platform invites you to engage directly with thought leaders. This isn’t a presentation. Luminaries is a dialogue, designed for IPA members to engage directly with influential leaders. Ask questions, share perspectives, and explore how philanthropy can support responsible use of AI to advance community impact.
Each session provides an intimate, informal setting where you can ask questions, share observations, and gain insights on the critical issues shaping Indiana's communities. These conversations transcend traditional webinars, fostering meaningful dialogue to inform your work.
Don’t miss this opportunity to ask questions and exchange ideas with those driving impactful change. Be part of the conversation that shapes the future.
This series has featured leading minds like author and The Center for Effective Philanthropy President Phil Buchanan, Indiana Education Secretary Dr. Katie Jenner, and Indiana Health Commissioner Dr. Lindsay Weaver.
Valparaiso, IN
Virtual + Recording